Polymyositis masquerading as mitochondrial toxicity. Issue 5 (22nd October 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prime, K P; Edwards, S G; Pakianathan, M R; Holton, J L; Scaravilli, F; Miller, R F
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 79:Issue 5(2003)
• Page Start: 417
• Page End: 418
• Publication Date: 2003-10-22
• Subjects: HIV -- polymyositis -- myopathy -- muscle biopsy -- mitochondrial toxicity; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.79.5.417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : A 66 year old HIV infected male heavy smoker presented with arthralgia, myalgia, and weight loss which was originally ascribed to nucleoside induced mitochondrial toxicity. Despite withdrawal of antiretroviral therapy a proximal myopathy developed. Further investigation excluded malignancy. Polymyositis was diagnosed on muscle biopsy. The patient recovered completely with oral prednisolone. This case highlights the importance of muscle biopsy in HIV infected patients whose myopathy persists despite withdrawal of antiretroviral therapy and the need for thorough investigation of non-specific symptoms in HIV infected patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.